The Nation Newspaper

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  • NIPC to deepen state-level investment support for Yewande Sadiku

    NIPC to deepen state-level investment support for Yewande Sadiku

    By Collins Nweze

    the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) has reiterated the need to deepen state-level investment support in the interest of the economy.

    Heads of State Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) in Nigeria recently attended a webinar with the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Yewande Sadiku.

    The event was opportunity to share insights garnered from the recently released half-year report on investment announcements and NIPC’s work to deepen state-level investment support in-line with its sub-national objectives and strategies.

    The closed session was attended by IPA heads from 30 states, including heads of NIPC five zonal offices. In her opening remarks, Yewande Sadiku extolled the efforts that State IPAs are making in attracting investments to their respective states and advocated for healthy competition among states saying, “in reality, the battle for capital is fierce; the biggest attractors of capital globally are countries that already seem like they have a lot of capital inflow.

    Africa only represents three per cent of capital flows across the world, albeit the continent accounts for 17 per cent of the world’s population. I would like a future where competition for capital is between states in Nigeria, rather than Nigeria and other countries.”

    Patience Okala, the Legal Adviser and Technical Lead for Nigeria’s International Investment Agreement (IIA) reforms educated participants on the work recorded at the federal level and the disproportionate gap between the quality of agreements signed and quality of the investment flows.

    “We looked at the quality of investments we have in Nigeria and they did not match the multiple treaties or international agreements the country was party to. To fix this issue, we developed a new model treaty that will enable the country to achieve Responsible, Inclusive, Balanced investments and Sustainable – investments that key into the sustainable development goals,” she said.

    She further explained the four-way principle christened, ‘RIBS’ model, allows Nigeria to balance investors’ rights and obligations, and was tested with the Nigeria, Morocco and Nigeria-Singapore BITs. At the session, Mrs Okala announced that NIPC is also working on reviewing its law to enable the Commission to act as an ombudsman – preventing and resolving disputes between investors, states and organisations.

    The Director-General of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Asishana Okauru gave a detailed account on the role of the NGF in promoting the domestication of investment reforms and how State IPAs can leverage access to Governors through the Forum. According to him, “the Secretariat is a credible, non-partisan association that has positioned itself as a trusted adviser that when a call is placed from the Secretariat to a Governor, it is usually prioritised due to our vast relationship and direct access to Governors across the 36 states.” The NGF has an invaluable influence which can escalate pertinent reforms and seek an aligned position during the monthly Forum meeting which all Governors attend, he added.

    Besides deepening relationships with State Governors, Mr Okauru similarly recommended engaging State Houses of Assembly, the National Bureau of Statistics and Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning in advancing investment promotion. Segueing into the second segment of the webinar, the preview of the Book of States, a project inspired by Ms Sadiku’s visit to Maiduguri, Borno State in February 2017. According to her, “Before the visit, it was difficult to articulate the competitiveness and selling points of the state, outside of what was known through the media, which was predominantly about the Boko Haram insurgency.

    Sadiku further clarified that the Book of States developed in partnership with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is a state-by-state profile that enables the promotion of Nigeria not just as a country, but within the context of the richness of its diversity. In her closing remarks, the Executive Secretary/CEO reminded the Heads of State IPAs of the Commission’s unwavering support in providing technical support aimed at replicating successful reforms recorded at the federal level in their various states. She also charged all participants to mirror legislation from the national level, and continually collaborate because “we are only as strong as our weakest link”.

  • Labosky scintillates with Badboytimz’ MJ cover

    Labosky scintillates with Badboytimz’ MJ cover

    Adeniyi Adewoyin

    Having been working relentlessly underground for some time, Odumewu Olanrewaju Omogbolahan also known as Labosky has made a return to the music scene with a scintillating cover to Badboytimz’ viral song MJ.

    The Afro pop singer delivered his lines on the song like he originally owns it with his powerful vocal prowess accompanied by an energetic display in the visuals.

    Labosky’s cover was quick to hit a notable number of views on his Instagram page shortly after it was released.

    READ ALSO: Mawthie speaks on inspiration behind viral song, “Normally”

    On the inspiration behind the cover, he said: “I fell in love with the original song when I first listened to it. It’s one of the reigning songs and I just had to jump on it. The response has been amazing since it was posted”.

    He however hint at a collaboration with DMW signed artiste, Lil Frosh.

    “Yes I have a song with 30BG gang member Lil Frosh, it’s a really dope one and we will be releasing it soon. My fans and every lover of good music should get ready for the hit”

  • Contact tracing most challenging in Jigawa

    Contact tracing most challenging in Jigawa

    By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

    Contact tracing of patients has been described as the most challenging in the Covid-19 prevention and control exercise.

    This was discussed by the member in Jigawa State’s Taskforce Committee on Covid-19 and the state team leader of DFID Lafiya programme in the state, Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada, in his welcome address presented during a day sensitisation workshop for traditional leaders in the state on Covid-19 infection and control at Manpower Development Institute, Dutse, organised by the Lafiya programme finding by the Department for International Development (DFID).

    Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada described contact tracing as the most difficult job experienced during the hot of the pandemic by their committee and medical team in the state.

    He said the successes achieved by the state government on the fight against Covid-19 would depend on the cooperation, support and participation of traditional and religious leaders.

    READ ALSO: COVID-19: 10 die from Abuja National Hospital isolation centre

    In his keynote address, the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Muhammadu Sunusi, said Jigawa State’s Traditional Council has directed district heads in the five emirates to be part of the mobilisation and public enlightenment programmes ahead of the second phase of Covid-19 pandemic.

    The emir, who was represented by the Senior Councillor in Dutse Emirate Council and Galadima of Dutse, Alhaji Basiru Sunusi, said traditional leaders have a big role to play in the fight against Covid-19.

  • Anifowoshe rejects Ondo APC primary results

    Anifowoshe rejects Ondo APC primary results

    Osagie Otabor, Akure

    The only female governorship aspirant in the Ondo All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs. Jumoke Ajasin-Afowonishe, has rejected results of the party primary in which Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu emerged as the party’s candidate.

    Akeredolu won the party primary with a wide margin of 2,458 votes while his closest rival, Chief Olusola Oke, polled 262 votes.

    Anifowoshe scored only two votes.

    In a statement issued Saturday in Akure by Director General of her campaign organisation, Hon. Kayode Arigbede, Anifowoshe said the process leading to the emergence of Akeredolu was flawed.

    She said the whole process was manipulated from the beginning to the end.

    The former Attorney-General noted the would affect the legitimacy and credibility of the APC government in Ondo State.

    READ ALSO: Jegede wins Ondo PDP primary

    According to her, “The process did not give room for a level playing field right from the date of screening to 9.00pm on Sunday 19th July, 2020 when the chairman of the primary election His Excellency Governor Yaya Bello of Kogi State addressed the aspirants.

    “The polling venue was not known until the night before the primary election whereas the winner had known this and prepared the venue for the election.

    “The voting process which should be secret voting was done in the full glare of those who were present.

    “Ballot papers could easily be linked to a voter as monitoring agents of the incumbent governor were around to watch over the delegates while only one agent was allowed per aspirant to be in the hall where voting took place.

    “In conclusion the indirect mode of primary election used is nothing to be proud of as a party and we refuse to accept the result.

    “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” –Edmund Burke. Our Network cannot overlook the flaws as enumerated above as doing so will be doing injustice to our numerous supporters who planned and were ready for Direct Primary Election.”

  • In life, everyone has their own time – Unique Kings

    In life, everyone has their own time – Unique Kings

    Unique Kings is a certified digital marketer/distributor and a Talent manager. He is subtly making an impact in the digital realm and entertainment industry at large. He tells The Nation about his journey.

    How did you come about the name Unique Kings?

    Funny enough, a lot of people don’t know, but that’s my real name, apart from being a brand name. That’s also the name my parents gave me, and I can really identify with it because I believe I am special and no one does it like me and I say this with all humility.

    Tell us a little about your background

    Well, I was born into a family of 6, I am the last amongst 4 children. Both of my parents are pastors; Rev. Ezekiel Obi and Rev. Mrs Esther Obi, though my dad is late. I am from Ideato South LGA in Imo state but I was born and raised in Abuja.

    Was it your plan from the onset to delve into the digital space?

    Truth be told, I wanted to become a medical doctor, it didn’t work out so I got an admission to study microbiology from Renaissance University, 3 years into the course I was fed up, I didn’t just fancy myself in a lab coat, I had to apply for a change of course which cost me an extra year in the university, but I didn’t mind, I just had to follow my passion, so I changed my course from microbiology to mass communication and it was so satisfying. Now after my University I got employed at Independent Television Abuja as a presenter for an entertainment program (E-zone) but the pay wasn’t encouraging, then I got another job at Rhythm FM, Abuja as a presenter too. I was so happy I was chasing my dreams, but I wasn’t making money. Then my brother who is also my mentor came back from Lagos and asked me what I was doing with my life, I was so eager to tell him I was a presenter and all but he didn’t seem impressed, he told me about the new gold mine which is Digital space, he was like the world is going digital; that even in music and entertainment everything is now being digitalized and he thinks I should focus on that, he asked me to go develop myself, read books and watch videos, take courses on Digital Marketing and distribution and from that moment, it ignited my passion for the digital marketing/distribution and after I earned my first 150k from 1 gig which he (my brother) brought to me, the rest is history.

    Speaking of your brother, we know you were born into a musically inclined family, can you tell us a bit about your family?

    It’s a norm for pastor’s kids to be musically inclined, from a tender age we were all made to learn the musical instruments so as to contribute to the ministry. These groomed my brothers and today, they are one of Nigeria’s finest producers. The 1st son Gospel Obi AKA Gospelondebeatz is a prolific music producer with hits like Davido’s ‘All of You’, Patoranking’s ‘No Kissing’ and so on, he is also the founder of Africa’s premium band Alternate Sound. The second son Prosper Obi AKA Speroach is also a renowned music producer with hits like 2baba’s ‘Amaka’, Peruzzi’s ‘Majesty’, Davido’s ‘Risky’ and so on, and they have been my motivation.

    Seeing that your brothers are popular and successful, does it mount any form of pressure on you?

    In this life, I believe everyone has their own time. Plus it was their success that motivated me to be where I am today. The age difference between me and my brothers is pretty much, so I had always looked up to them. For success, I believe God has brought me from where I used to be and it’s still taking me to a place I’m meant to be, success is relative and I’m not under any pressure whatsoever. And as for fame, nah I’m good; we work behind the scenes.

    Not only are you a digital marketer you are also the manager of the last Project Fame winner Okiemute. How do you combine both?

    Well I won’t say it’s easy, but both are passionate to me, so I just have to make it work. But my major priority is my artiste, that’s my number one duty call. I wake up every day thinking ‘Okiemute’ and I go to bed every day thinking ‘Okiemute’, every other thing is all within.

    Which can you say is the best project you’ve worked on so far?

    I’m passionate about all my projects, but the one that is most dear to me was in 2018 when I partnered with Mavin for the first Johnny’s Live Room Abuja edition. Now why this project was special is that I saw when Johnny Drille posted on his Twitter for people to sign up if they want a concert in Abuja…that if he gets one thousand people to sign up, he’d have a concert in Abuja. I am a die-hard Johnny Drille fan, so I signed up, I was telling my friend that this is the only artist I would pay to attend his concert. Now before then, my team (TCM) and I had already organized 2 major concerts featuring Burna Boy and Teni as the headliners of the show, that period we were really on fire, now we wanted to organize another event titled LED (love Early in December) with Runtown as the headliner but we also needed Johnny Drille to perform at the event so I contacted Mavin. They said Johnny has an event the next week in Abuja so he can’t perform at our event, that the only way he can, is if he’d come as a surprise guest, perform 1 or 2 songs and then invite people for his own show, sounded good to me. Then the discussion continued that since I was already into the whole organizing event thing, that why don’t we partner to organize the Johnny Drille event, I was so shocked that in my first year in the entertainment industry, I’m being asked to partner with Mavin, it was a dream come true and the event was a massive one, people turned out in their numbers, and it trended number 1 in Nigeria, all thanks to God, the event was a huge success. Me from wanting to buy tickets for the show, to organizing the show, one of my most memorable experiences.

    What’s the next step for you?

    Well, for now, I’m really focused on my artiste and my existing clients. I just moved to Lagos. it’s just been over a year, still observing and making the right connections, once I’ve gained grounds, God willing, I’d make my moves and it’d be too big to miss.

    What advice would you give to the young ones aspiring to be like you?

    Follow your passion and find a way to make your passion make you money with that, working becomes pleasure.

  • Foreign based Nigerian doctors tackle challenges of minorities in medicine

    Foreign based Nigerian doctors tackle challenges of minorities in medicine

    Our Reporter

    Nigeria-born doctors, Dr. Emeka Okorocha, and Dr. Ikenna Ihim who practice in Britain and America receptively have come out to speak on the challenges of minorities in medicine.

    The doctors who went viral on social media recently following their post regarding the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic held a live Instagram session to encourage and inspire future health care providers

    Both doctors are currently treating critically ill COVID-19 patients in the hospital, but in different continents. Dr. Emeka lives and practices in Britain , while Dr. Ikenna lives and practices in the U.S.A., however they both face the same challenges as minorities in medicine. Both entities have become embraced by the medical communities and are also now brand ambassadors to several medical apparels and businesses.

    READ ALSO: UK-based Nigerian doctor, wife die 10 days apart

    Their level of success did not prevent them from recognizing the need to create more awareness for the black community. With their large social media following, they decided to hold a live discussion to get the word out and to encourage and inspire future minority health care providers.

    According to them, the aim was to inspire young black kids in both continents whom have hopes to become physicians, but are not positioned to do so due to their lower socioeconomic status.

    They also called to caution on the black patients whom are statistically less compliant with regular physician checkups and medication adherence until their chronic health issues become to less manageable.

    As Nigerians, they also gave tips on how foreign medical doctors can transition from their countries into practicing in both U.S.A. and Britain. Lastly, they provided tips on how to overcome what most young black physicians like themselves experience, including the term “you do not look like a doctor”.

  • Brickwall Global Investment debunks fraud allegation

    Brickwall Global Investment debunks fraud allegation

    Our Reporter 

    Brickwall Global Investment Limited, a real estate firm, has dismissed the fraud allegation levelled against it.

    The company’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. K.D Oniyide, in a statement, said that the fraud reports making rounds are false.

    Oniyide said that the allegation was a deliberate action to inflict reputational damages on the company.

    The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to recent publications both in some daily newspapers and online media outfits alleging that our company, Brickwall Global Investment Ltd., failed to allocate plots of land to subscribers who paid for our land scheme at Mayflower Garden Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos State and, by so doing, made insinuations of fraud against our company”, said Oniyide.

    “We wish to assure all our customers and members of the public that the allegations contained in the said publication are untrue, malicious and calculated to inflict reputational damages to our company. For the record, we state that our Mayflower Garden Estate at Ikorodu, Lagos is a reality and there is no fraud attached to scheme. We also make bold to state that no subscriber to any of our schemes, including the said Mayflower Garden Estate, has ever been defrauded by our company.

    Continuing, the PRO added: “For the avoidance of doubt, we state that allocation plots of land to our numerous subscribers to the said scheme at Mayflower Garden Estate, Ikorodu has been ongoing and this is being done in phases. The first phase which consists of 15 allocations at the approach section of estate was completed between 2017 and 2018 and all the subscribers to this first phase have received their allocation papers. This fact is verifiable. The allocation of the second phase of the scheme is currently ongoing and it is expected to accommodate at least 50 subscribers and we assure all those who have completed their payments and are yet to receive their allocations that they will certainly get their physical allocations when the allotments in this second phase are completed.

    “We also recognize the fact that in the course of making these allocations, our company has met with some challenges arising from some subscribers who did not like the location of the plots at the scheme due to the unstable topography of their locations. This issue is been resolved by our company and we assure all affected subscribers to the scheme that they would have their allocations at the end of the day.

    “With regard to the legal action instituted by some aggrieved subscribers to the scheme as a result of the misunderstanding arising from the location of their plots at the scheme, our team of lawyers are currently responding to the law suit and being a matter that is currently in Court, and as a responsible organization, we shall not comment further on the matter, until the matter is disposed of. However, as one of the foremost real estate firms in the country, we re-assure all our clients, customers and the public that we shall continue to hold our customers and clients very dear and would never relent in making their dreams of being landlords, which is the cardinal objective of our organization, a reality”.

  • Jobaa signs record deal with JustJoJo entertainmen

    Jobaa signs record deal with JustJoJo entertainmen

    Our Reporter 

    Fast rising artiste, Aina Oluwajoba Emmanuel professionally known as Jobaa has just signed a juicy record deal with renowned U.K based record label, JustJoJo Entertainment.

    Jobaa is a 20-year-old contemporary Afro-pop recording and performing artiste from Ekiti State in Nigeria.

    The Lagos and London based artiste developed a keen interest in music at an early age and started making music in his early secondary school days, where he was known as ‘Rico’ before he evolved to ‘Rico P’ and finally the pop talent ‘Jobaa’ which was originated from his first name and the first letter of his last name.

    Shortly after bagging a BSc. Degree in Public Administration from Babcock University with a second-class upper division, he released his official debut single titled “Sweet Love” featuring Buju which became a sleeper hit.

    Few months after this move, he inked a lucrative deal with U.K based entertainment juggernaut and record label JustJoJo Entertainment led by music marketing genius, Rebecca Junaid.

    His official debut single is a high-octane cut titled ‘OLLA’, produced by Jaypizzle and engineered by Selebobo (a.k.a Mix Monsta). Set to give his counterparts a run for their money, Jobaa is already working on his debut EP project scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2021.

  • Stem cell therapy explained by Dr David Karli

    Stem cell therapy explained by Dr David Karli

    By Dr David Karli

    Stem cell research has received all the hate and love since its inception. The idea of a miracle cure and bodies self-repairing themselves is something that holds a particular fascination. With its versatile applications, stem cell therapy brings regenerative medicine a step closer. Though the potential advantages are many, the ideas and concepts of stem cells remain controversial, leading to infinite research and ongoing studies. This doesn’t prevent the rise of some myths and Dr David C. Karli, a pioneer in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine, debunks it.

    Why Are Stem Cells the Focus of Medical Research?

    Stem cells function primarily like raw materials for the body in varying concentrations. As per the body’s instructions, stem cells may change themselves into various other cells with specialized functions. The “daughters” of stem cells may either renew themselves or may specialize themselves for particular body functions. These specialized ones include the cells of the brain, heart, bones, blood and others.

    Dr David C Karli is an Ivy-trained physician and the CEO of Greyledge Technologies, specialized in developing biologic products in the regenerative medicine space. When asked about the controversies revolving around stem cell therapies, he said: “Stem cell technology is yet to revolutionize, with a new standard of personalized treatment where bodies can self-repair.”

    Some of the reasons why stem cells are the focus of many medical science pieces of research today are:

    ● Stem cells help understand the development patterns of several illnesses while they differentiate into nerves, bone cells and organ and tissue cells.

    ● Stem Cells can be used to find out the body cells and system reaction to drugs.
    For example, growing nerve cells in a controlled setting efficiently determine the side-effects of new nerve disease treatments.

    ● With the potential to regenerate parts of the body and restore functionality, individuals with diseases like Parkinson’s, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, osteoarthritis and cancer are yet to benefit from stem cell therapies and regenerative medicine.

    “Stem Cell therapy is the last avenue of medical research, be it consequential or controversial. Understanding stem cell therapy and the debate around it requires knowledge of its origin and potential”, says Dr Karli.

    The origin of stem cells

    Stem cells are harvested from four sources.

    ● Embryonic stem cells come from a few-days old embryo.
    ● Adult stem cells can be developed by extracting them from the organs and tissues of the human body.
    ● Amniotic fluid contains stem cells. Amniotic fluid is extracted when a woman opts for an amniocentesis test checking for congenital disabilities before childbirth. Following extraction, Amniotic fluid is used to treat health conditions during the gestation period or post-childbirth.
    ● Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) are programmed to act as stem cells for regenerative medicinal use. Stem cells are stored in liquid nitrogen after collection.

    Ethical concerns

    Stem Cells first came into limelight during the 1990s when scientists derived them from Embryos. This was the root cause of all the controversies. Many people believe that the extraction of stem cells from embryo leads to its destruction.

    The beliefs on the beginning of human life are complex, as people are preoccupied with many. For some, life starts after childbirth, or when the fetus is developed. While some believe that human life begins when women conceive, giving an embryo the same moral status when compared to a child or adult.

    Along with the growing controversies, technical advancements have also taken shape. As of 2006, scientists have stopped deriving stem cells from an embryo and instead, used pluripotent stem cells. With innovation, the attitude towards stem cell therapies is slowly beginning to change.

    Current research

    As people are adapting to new technology, stem cell research is easing treatments with the concept of a microorganism taking shape from a single cell and how healthy cells can replace the diseased ones, leading to a complete cure.

    Understanding cancer

    Cancer and other congenital disabilities occur due to the abnormal division of human cells. A knowledge in stem cell therapy can provide insight into the root cause and its treatment options.

    Regenerative medicine

    Stem cells have shown promising benefits in many areas of health, from reducing scarring on the heart, orthopaedic treatments and dental repair.

    Though a dive into research is necessary before stem cells become a part of the regular medicinal practice, the technical advancements around stem cell therapies are always intact.

  • BREAKING: Spain legend, Xavi, tests positive for COVID-19

    BREAKING: Spain legend, Xavi, tests positive for COVID-19

    Our Reporter

    Al Sadd manager Xavi confirms he has tested positive for COVID19 and will be in self-isolation.

    The Span’s World Cup winner will miss his side’s return to competitive action against Al Khor tonight.

    He tweeted: A few days ago, following the @qsl protocol, I tested positive in the last COVID19 test.

    “Fortunately, I’m feeling ok, but I will be isolated until I am given the all clear. When the health services allow it, I will be very eager to return to my daily routine and to work.”